About OOs

Read the Sporting Code SC3 to see what it’s all about. Contact us via the help/contact facility below and we’ll gladly assist you in getting your appointment.

The control over the FR ensures that the nominated FR(s) are checked. The type and serial numbers are noted before the take off. This completes the first half of the Flight Certificate. At landing, the OO retrieves the .igc files from the FR(s) and checks the seals made before take-off (if applied). This completes the second half of the Flight Certificate.

The OO has the responsibility of being the FAI’s “field representative”. An OO ensures that the flight is controlled in accordance with Code requirements, and that the required flight evidence is gathered and prepared in such a manner that later study of it by an independent examiner, will leave no doubt that the claimed achievement was met.

OO’s must be familiar with the most recent IGC Sporting Code and the air regulations pertinent to the flight and have the integrity and competence necessary to control and certify that flight. The OO should be familiar with the evaluation methods and problems as outlined in SC#C-10.8 (OO & Pilots Guide)

After a 4-year term the OO will require a revalidation test which is done online.

Any member of SSSA and Aeroclub, who has at least completed his Silver Badge, and who has sufficient knowledge of the FAI Sporting Code may take the online “OO” test. If he passes that test, he will be appointed. To be an “OO” for Record flights you will need to have processed at least 2 badges and have passed the online exam for “Records OO”. Directors of competitions sanctioned by FAI, or a NAC may act as OOs for badge or record flights undertaken during a competition.

An Official Observer (OO) is the person authorized by a NAC to control flights undertaken for an FAI badge or record attempt and to control the data gathered to prove the Soaring Performance.